Closet Cleaning Tips — Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning time has arrived, and if it's time to clean out your closet, I've got some good tips on how to decided which things to keep and which to toss.

I went through this process myself yesterday, and I'll admit I have a hard time letting go of things. I attach memories to different outfits, and it's hard to let some of them go - despite the fact that it's been long past time.

When I got ready to clean out my closet I started to two bins, one for donations to the local woman's shelter and the other to sell. There are some great businesses now that will pay cash on the spot for clothes that are in good condition and recent styles.

Here are the questions I asked myself when I looked at each item:

The number one question - Does this fit? If it doesn't fit, I let it go. I don't convince myself that I will be that size again. When I get back into that size, I will reward myself with something new.

Do I feel confident when I wear this? - If the answer was yes, I kept it. If not, I set it aside to sell or donate.

If this is damaged in any way, will I actually make the effort to get this repaired? This is usually a no for me. I'm not a seamstress, and usually won't make the effort to get it repaired which means it goes into the donation bin.

Is this currently in style, and/or does this accurately represent my style? I try to buy more classic items when I shop, but the occasional trendy dress does make it into my closet, and if it's no longer in style - it's not likely that I can sell it, so it goes into the donation bin.

This might be my favorite question - If I was shopping right now, would I buy this? This is a legitimate question. Would you buy the item again? If so, keep it you'll likely wear it. If not, donate it or sell it. You won't miss it.

Have I worn this in the last 12 months? This is important. If I haven't worn it in the past year, I'm probably not going to wear it it again - it's time to let it go!

My cleaning spree was so successful that I sold enough clothes and shoes to purchase the new jeans and wedges that I wanted. The items that didn't sell, will be donated to a local woman's shelter.